5 Best Spots in Sydney Harbour by Boat
Ok, so you want to hire a boat and explore Sydney Harbour - but not sure where to drop anchor?
Well, you're in luck! The harbour is our backyard and we like to think we know some pretty cool hidden coves, quiet beaches and secret bays to set sail for.
So if you are planning on hiring a boat to celebrate your next birthday party, hens night, bucks do or any other floating event - here are some Insta-worthy locations to head for!
Manly Cove: Skip the ferry
Where: Manly
Why: Manly is pretty busy, with the ferry terminal the hub of much comings and goings throughout the day. Hire your own boat and you can escape the hustle and bustle by dropping anchor in Manly Cove, just down the beach from where the ferry docks. It’s a calm spot to have a drink, BBQ, take a dip or get out there on a SUP. Or swim into the beach and get an ice cream. Why not, hey?!
Quarantine Bay: Away from it all
Where: North Head
Why: This protected spot in the shadow of North Head’s historic quarantine station is about as far away from the crowd you can get - without setting sail out the heads! It’s the perfect spot to anchor up and enjoy a drink, swim or even have a snooze! If you have hired a catamaran then ask the skipper to break the water toys out, so you can float, SUP/paddle or swim the day away!
Shark Island: Views to die for
Where: Middle Harbour (Rose Bay)
Why: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by setting your course for Shark Island - or Boowambillee (booh-uhm-'bil-ee) to First People. It’s just off Rose Bay in Middle Harbour, but far enough away to be completely away from it all. If you booked a luxury motor cruiser or superyacht you can’t actually moor at the wharf there, but it's a picturesque spot to pause and relax and soak up those amazing harbour views.
Shell Cove: Middle Harbour hidden treasure
Where: Middle Harbour/Mosman
Why: If you’ve been to Balmoral Beach you were pretty close to Shell Cove. The great thing about this spot is that it’s just off Chinaman’s Beach, which is a hidden treasure of Sydney’s Middle Harbour. Why? It’s a lot quieter than the better known Balmoral just around the corner, so you can soak up the rays here, swim and SUP if your boat has toys on board.
Athol Bay: best seats in the house
Where: Mosman/Taronga Zoo
Why: If you want picture-postcard views of the harbour, with Taronga Zoo right on your doorstep then set sail for Athol Bay. This quiet cove is fringed with lush greenery and framed by breathtaking harbor views. It’s deep water, which is perfect for dropping anchor as well as swimming. Aso the perfect spot to watch the NYE fireworks, if your boat can snag a spot!
Want to explore hidden spots on the harbour? Get in touch with our booking office today, which is open 9am-5pm Monday-Friday for answers to all your questions.
